Economic difficulties in the 1840s led to Etruria Works and Etruria Hall being put up for sale, though only the hall was sold, because he had no inclination to live there, as the location had become compromised, and he built a new house on a small estate at Barlaston, which, if less grand, was in a better situation.

He was joined in the business by his eldest son Godfrey, and later by his younger sons Clement Francis Wedgwood and Laurence. Wedgwood retired from the business in 1876 and died at Barlaston, Staffordshire in 1888.